money to pay the tickets off. I am interested in doing community service but don't know what is the process to go in front of the judge.And I don't want to go to jail either.
2007-02-22 08:21:33 · 12 answers · asked by shamarsgal 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Either way, whether you have the money to pay or not, you may actually go to jail. The warrant is for your arrest.
You can't go on like this forever since things could actually get worse should you be caught for some other reason. Go to the nearest police station and explain and turn yourself in. It's highly unlikely they would hold you for more than 24 hours if at all. You might even be let go on the spot.
In any event, a hearing would be scheduled and you would be required to answer before a judge. Failure to appear would result in a bench warrant and this time, you would be arrested and held. Basically it would result in more jail time and a higher bail amount.
Payments arrangements to the court to pay off the fines will be permitted but failure to pay because you don't have the money would not be an acceptable excuse.
2007-02-22 08:32:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you have a bench warrant out for your arrest, and you don't have the money to pay it. or pay the money for ur license.
a judge will not give community service for such a small crime as a traffic violation of ur nature. the only way I'd say any traffic violation that would even remotely come close would be 30+ mph over the speed limit, in which you go to jail already with (atleast in Missouri) the chance of 30 days in a county jail. That kinda of traffic violation might get ya some community service.
All I really can say is,just drive w/out the license and don't get pulled over till you have enough cash to turn urself in for your warrant. Worse case scenario you get pulled over, found out about ur warrant. taking to jail, processed, and most likely a bond set of a couple hundred in cash.But then you still have court.
I take it all back, your screwed either way. Cuz you need money no matter what for the bond, court cost, and the ticket still.
2007-02-22 08:34:37 · answer #2 · answered by Rev. Justin G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can answer your question based on my experience as a traffic prosecutor the last year and a half: The following is county-specific, but should be a starting point:
Usually, you would have to turn yourself into the county jail. Since you don't have money, you can "try" this:
1. Call the county's prosecuting attorney (State's Attorney's office or District Attorney's office). Ask to speak to the traffic prosecutor. Once you've reached them, tell him your situation and that you have been trying to pay the fines, but have no money. You would like to turn yourself in, but you wouldn't have the money to bond out, so you would basically sit in jail until your court date unable to make money. Ask the prosecutor if they would recall the warrant, give you a new court date, and you'll appear on that date. Tell them you are open to doing whatever amount of public service hours the prosecutor feels appropriate to take care of the fines. In most counties, the prosecutor can only convert the fine only, not the court costs to public service hours. For example, If your total fine and costs are $350, with the fine being $150, the court costs will be $200 and you'll only be able to convert $150 dollars into service hours, but your $200 in costs would remain.
It is near impossible to get the prosecutor to waive or vacate your fines, but that is an option you could try (if you are that desperate to ask; however, in the process, you could make the prosecutor less willing to help you). Most likely, the prosecutor will tell you to turn yourself in...
If you weren't worried about getting your license, but just can't keep coming into court to pay because you have no money, you could ask the court to take judgment for your fines and costs. You won't have to keep appearing in court on your pay dates, but if you ever wanted your license back, you'd have to pay the fines. This is due to the court sending the secretary of state information that you have failed to pay traffic fines and there will be a "hold" on your license. Thus, you can't renew your license.
To summarize: See if you can ask the prosecutor to convert whatever amount he/she can to public service hours. Then save your money and pay the court costs. Once you've paid all you owe, make sure the "holds" have been lifted in whatever county you owe fines, and then go to the DMV to renew or obtain a valid D.L.
2007-02-22 08:43:51 · answer #3 · answered by jeffreyrh80 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually the judge is the only one who can impose a sentence/ alter a sentence. That means that you have to go to court and tell the judge you want to do community service. You can usually call the clerk of the court and ask to be placed on the calendar (they will tell you what days are available). OR you can contact and attorney and he or she can take care of it for you (but you will have to pay the attorney, even if you get only community service)
Having seen this a lot, judges usually understand this and can set up payment plans and/or community service. You do not NEED a lawyer to do this. Just call the court and they'll help you figure it out. Besides, judges usually look favorable on people who "own up" to their mistakes.
--Z--
2007-02-22 10:02:44 · answer #4 · answered by Z-Force920 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't want to go to jail either. Just try your hardest to get the money. If you can't, go to the local court and ask for a judge or another person who would know about your situation. Explain your situation, and hand him/her the money that you have so far, and promise that you will have it repaid in full within a short amount of time. Good luck!!!
2007-02-22 08:32:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call the court of the judge who signed the warrant and ask how to go about coming in.
You've made a mess here. Now you have to clean it up. Judges generally appreciate a response rather than someone being dragged in. You've made some minor mistakes, now, before it grows out of proportion, make it right.
2007-02-22 08:31:37 · answer #6 · answered by Susan M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to the county clerks office and speak to them and they will set you up for either a trail date or if it has gone to warrant you will be arrested on the spot. I would call first.
2007-02-22 08:29:08 · answer #7 · answered by cowboybronco01 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you honestly think that you will go to jail for unpaid parking tickets?
NO!!! You idiot-All you have to do is talk to a lawyer or some one who is versed in the law and see what they can do.
2007-02-22 08:26:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
do no longer know approximately ny yet in maximum states you could no longer in hassle-free terms ignore with reference to the project. while she opts to renew her drivers license or automobile plates she would be ready to be blocked from doing so. I trust others, face the outcomes and phone the clerk. Agreeing to pay on time is bigger than attempting to bypass.
2016-09-29 11:48:13 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are gonna have to bone up and fine the money man sorry
2007-02-22 08:25:46 · answer #10 · answered by VHEE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋